Ciaran Clark | Defensemen | #6

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The Ireland national team is coming into full fitness at just the right time with James McCarthy and Ciaran Clark back.

The Everton standout midfielder has yet to train with the Irish squad after suffering a thigh injury at the end of the Premier League season. Meanwhile, Clark missed the team's friendly draw with the Netherlands on Friday due to an Achilles injury, but participated in light training on Saturday ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Belarus. While McCarthy is set to return to training on Monday, coach Martin O'Neill said he will likely not be involved in the friendly, but has done enough to be in the 23-man final squad for the European championships this summer. May 28 - 2:29 PM

Aston Villa will face a battle to keep hold of defender Ciaran Clark with West Brom manager Tony Pulis keen to seal a summer move.

West Brom reportedly made a bid last summer to prise Clark away from Aston Villa, but the Irishman signed a five-year contract to remain at Villa Park. However, with Aston Villa relegated, Pulis is expected to make another bid to trigger the 26-year-old's £5 million release clause after locking down Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson to a pair of one-year contracts. The "Express and Star" also reports the Baggies could make a move for versatile Newcastle defender Paul Dummett after the Magpies' relegation. May 23 - 1:52 PM

Eric Black could be forced into a change of formation with Ciaran Clark and Alan Hutton doubtful for the final game of the season at Arsenal.

Villa earned a credible 0-0 draw with Newcastle in game week thirty-seven with Clark lining up in a back three and Hutton playing in a five man midfield. However, during Fridays’ pre-match briefing, the caretaker boss confirmed that both are struggling due to ankle and calf injuries respectively. Aly Cissokho could return at left-back with Micah Richards partnering Lescott in a 4-4-2 with youngster Kevin Toner retaining his place in the starting XI. Rudy Gestede is back in contention following his return to training but Kieran Richardson and Jordan Veretout are expected to miss out after weeks on the sidelines. May 14 - 8:46 AM

Ciaran Clark has returned to light training and Eric Black is confident the defender will be available for the visit of AFC Bournemouth this weekend.

Clark picked up a calf injury while on international duty and missed the embarrassing home defeat to Chelsea. However, caretaker boss Black revealed the 26-year-old should re-join the group later this week. With Alan Hutton suspended, Clark could partner Joleon Lescott centrally with Micah Richards moving across onto the right - Jores Okore is another option should Clark fail to recover in time. Jack Grealish and Adama Traore continue to step up their recovery from respective ankle and foot injuries by playing for the Under-21s on Monday. Grealish impressed in his 30 minute cameo last Saturday while Traore missed out due to a lack of fitness. Apr 6 - 10:24 AM